Assignment 1- Personal Inspiration Narrative (Jan 25- 10%)


"On top of the World"

Growing up in a household with one computer, to sharing my father’s and brother’s laptop, and now owning my own laptop has not only made me a responsible person, but also has made me value the benefits of the advancement in technology. When the first time I discovered a portable and compact computer, a laptop, could deliver I was totally intrigued and fascinated by it. When I could comprehend the difference in the design which made a compact and portable computer deliver the same functions that of a bulky desktop I was enthralled. Since then I was eager to possess my own laptop, however, due to financial constraints I couldn’t afford one initially. I felt that I may not be responsible enough to own an expensive laptop, a lucrative device which could be stolen easily because of its compactness and portability. It was just a couple months ago when I bought my very own laptop.

I remember the days when I used to share one computer among the four of us in the house. There would be a time limit for each person to use the computer, which made it difficult for me when I had projects to work on at school. I would have to stay back at school to work on my assignments, especially because I didn’t have a computer which I could access it whenever and wherever I wanted. It didn’t affect me as much when I was in high school but when I was in University things got difficult and troublesome, with having to use new programs which I didn’t have on my computer and knowing the fact that I have other people at home who were going to use the computer as well.

When my dad and my brother bought laptops of their own it made things a little easier for me because I would have the desktop computer for myself. However, even though I had the computer to myself it was still hard because it wasn’t portable. Whenever I was at school I would have to always save my information onto a USB key or email my assignments to my email, so I could access it. At times I would borrow my father’s or brother’s laptop; however it was inconvenient as I could not bank on its availability. Also problems would develop between me, my father and brother because I would be irresponsible and download music or movies onto his laptop without any anti- virus protection. Knowing the fact it wasn’t my own, I did not care enough to realize the value of the laptop, a sophisticated electronic device, which could get damaged due to computer viruses. My father never bought me a laptop but always told me, I would have to save my own money and buy one so that I would appreciate the value of having a laptop.

A laptop is a convient device which is essential for a university student, a tool of immense value. I was motivated to save money and once I bought my laptop I felt a sense of great achievement. I appreciated it and realized that having my own laptop was very beneficial. I had access to it whenever I wanted it. Gone were the days of dependence on my dad or for that matter of my brother who would not give access to his password, lest I would discover his hidden secrets stored on the computer! Now my computer was portable, convenient and light in weight. I had all the programs for school and my data was with me at all times. What a relief! I could have Wifi internet access to do all my research for my assignments and projects. I became more responsible in taking care of my own laptop by keeping it safely and by protecting it against viruses by downloading anti-viruses programs. I had the freedom and independence to surf the web in several ways that I could not do before, without having my father or brother breathing down my neck!

The laptop has been very valuable to me, it has given me the opportunity to broaden my mind in the way I think and has helped me to acquire greater knowledge by using the search engines such as Google, having the convenience of online Dictionary, etc.,including learning ‘how to dance’ on You Tube or singing karaoke! In addition, with the motivation and purpose of buying a laptop a person like me who never knew how to save money learned to be responsible. By saving money for this cause, I appreciated the technology for what it has to offer and made me realize the value of money.